Two North East companies are developing a cutting edge van that can be used to supply houses with electricity during a power cut.

Sunderland battery company Hyperdrive Innovation is collaborating with Newcastle’s Northern Powergrid on the development of an electric response vehicle, which could prove vital for homes during a power cut.

The van - containing an onboard energy storage system - is being created as part of Northern Powergrid’s Silent Power Project, which aims to find an alternative way to power homes other than noisy diesel generators.

Hyperdrive Innovation has teamed up with alternative energy company Offgrid Energy to develop the vehicle.

Northern Powergrid is developing vehicle that can power homes during a power cut (Image: handout)

Stephen Irish, founder and commercial managing director at Hyperdrive Innovation said: “It has been a fantastic experience for the team at Hyperdrive to work with Northern Powergrid and Offgrid Energy to integrate our world-leading battery technology into this exciting project.

“The potential market for this type of backup energy storage system is huge. Along with electricity distributors, we believe there are other areas, including construction and major events, that could benefit from this secure, environmentally-friendly and quiet portable power solution.”

Read More

The project is latest to use Hyperdrive Innovation’s lithium-ion battery packs. The company, which was founded in 2012, has manufactured 5,000 battery backs from its Sunderland site. It now plans to double the size of its production facility and produce 10,000 packs in 2019.

Offgrid Energy first introduced hybrid generation technology to the temporary power market in 2010. The firm has undergone steady growth after benefiting from the rise of the renewable energy sector.

Hyperdrive Innovation's 48V battery pack (Image: Unknown)

Danny Jones, founder and CEO of Offgrid Energy, said: “We are very proud that our technology is able, not only to address air quality and carbon emissions but to also have a significant impact in reducing the cost of managing network faults.

“Doing so in a way that eliminates noise for consumers means that there are significant wins for all parties and that doesn’t happen very often.”

Ross McFarlane, innovation project manager at Northern Powergrid, added: “This project will enable us to restore power quickly, quietly and cleanly for customers after a fault on the network, while we carry out necessary repairs.

Read More

“This will be particularly valuable in supporting people on our Priority Services Register who may be more dependent on electricity due to a disability or medical condition and could need greater assistance in a power cut.

“Our Silent Power Project will bring significant societal benefits, deliver on our commitment to innovate and help us better serve the most vulnerable members of our communities.”